Warnings over C-section ‘swabs’ trend
IT Is increasingly popular with new mothers keen to give their babies’ fragile immune system the best start in life.
But experts warn the trend for swabbing the mother after a caesarean section to transfer ‘protective’ bacteria to their baby – known as micro-birthing or vaginal seeding – can actually put newborns at risk.
As demand for the practice is rising in British hospitals, they have revealed that serious infections and even sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on to babies.
When babies are born naturally they pick up a range of beneficial bacteria while moving down the birth canal. This gives their immune system a kick-start from the moment they enter the world, protecting them against developing allergies.
But those born by C-section – about a quar- ter of all births in the UK – are not exposed to them.
Micro-birthing was thought to counter this problem, and involves swabbing the newborn’s body and face with bacteria from the mother. The practice can be carried out by the mother, her partner or medical staff.
But writing in the medical journal BMJ, doctors from Imperial College London warn there is no evidence it works and that babies are actually at risk of harm, including picking up group B strep – a serious infection that can be fatal.
Lead author Dr Aubrey Cunnington said: ‘one colleague had to intervene when a mother with genital herpes was about to undertake this process. swabbing would have potentially transferred the herpes virus to the baby. Doctors, nurses, midwives and parents need to be aware they are doing something with a potential risk that currently doesn’t have any evidence of benefit.
‘There are also other conditions that cause no symptoms in the mother, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, that could be transferred on the swab.’
The team said breastfeeding and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics may be more important. In their editorial, they added: ‘Parents should be advised to mention that they performed vaginal seeding if their baby becomes unwell, because this may influence a clinician’s assessment of the risk of serious infection. Health professionals should be aware that vaginal seeding is increasingly common and ask about it when assessing neonates [newborns] who may have an infection.’
Dr Patrick o’Brien, of the royal College of obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: ‘Those born through caesarean section appear to be at increased risk of asthma, allergies and food intolerances in later life due to a lack of “protective” bacteria.
‘However, there is no robust evidence to suggest “vaginal seeding” has any associated benefits and we would not recommend it.’
A hormone therapy to prevent premature births does not work, a study of more than 1,200 women suggests. Previous studies had indicated that progesterone can help to stop women giving birth too early. However, a trial involving more than 60 UK hospitals – the largest ever conducted – found it made no difference to premature birth rates.